Dr. Fu Manchu is a fictional character created by British author Sax Rohmer in the early 20th century. He is depicted as a brilliant but malevolent Chinese criminal mastermind, often portrayed as a villain in various stories. The character first appeared in the novel "The Mystery of Dr. Fu Manchu" published in 1913 and became a significant figure in popular culture. The stories featuring Dr. Fu Manchu often revolve around his elaborate schemes to dominate the world and his clashes with British detective Nayland Smith. The character has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and comic books, contributing to the stereotype of the "evil Asian" in Western media.